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easy recipes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

November 22, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Looking for a quick and easy way to make creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe is a game changer. Perfectly fluffy, rich, and full of flavor, all in a fraction of the time it takes to make them the traditional way. Whether you’re preparing for a big holiday meal or just want a simple side dish, this recipe will save you time and hassle while delivering a delicious result every time. Let’s dive in!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Why use the Instant Pot?

Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to make mashed potatoes offers several key benefits. First and foremost, it drastically reduces cooking time. What would typically take 20-30 minutes on the stovetop can be done in just 10 minutes in the pressure cooker. The sealed environment helps retain moisture, resulting in perfectly tender potatoes every time. No need to constantly watch over them. Plus, the Instant Pot’s “set it and forget it” feature frees up your hands for other tasks. Which makes it a huge time-saver, especially when preparing for a large meal. The end result? Rich, creamy mashed potatoes with minimal effort and cleanup! A definite go-to method for busy cooks (or just busy moms!).

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

What you’ll need for this recipe

To make Instant Pot mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. First, potatoes (any variety will work, but Yukon Golds are a favorite for their creamy texture). You’ll also need butter, milk, garlic, parsley, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. You’ll also need your trusty Instant Pot or pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process. That’s it! With these basic ingredients, you can create a delicious, hassle-free side dish in no time.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 2 pounds of russet or yukon gold potatoes, cleaned
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cup of chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

  1. Peel and dice potatoes.
  2. Place diced potatoes into instant pot. Pour in chicken broth.
  3. Close instant pot by locking the lid in place. Make sure the steam valve is closed. Press the steam button and set it on this function for 7 minutes. 
  4. Using a towel or hot pad, release the steam valve manually for quick release.
  5. Once the steam pressure has completely released, turn the lid to open the instant pot. 
  6. Drain the chicken stock from the instant pot using a colander over a bowl to save stock for later.
  7. Pour in the remaining ingredients: butter, milk, sour cream, garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. 
  8. Mash with potato masher until desired consistency is reached.
  9. If you desire to thin the mashed potatoes more, add chicken stock little by little as needed.
  10. Serve mashed potatoes with more butter and parsley as desired for your enjoyment.
  11. ENJOY!


© Rachel

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Filed Under: easy recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, recipes Tagged With: easy recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, recipes

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

November 21, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

The holidays are all about giving thoughtful, meaningful gifts, and what better way to spread some cheer than with a homemade DIY pancake mix! This simple yet charming gift is easy to prepare. It can be quickly turned into a beautiful, personalized present for friends, family, or neighbors. Perfect for whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift or something to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. This DIY pancake mix is sure to delight. Just package it up with a cute note and a few basic ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious, giftable treat that everyone will love! This Mason Jar Pancake Mix is the perfect DIY gift this holiday season.

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Gift giving from the heart and with purpose

Homemade gifts hold a special kind of magic because they show thoughtfulness, effort, and a personal touch that store-bought items often can’t match. When you create something with your own hands, you’re not just giving a physical object, but also sharing a piece of yourself—whether it’s your time, creativity, or care. This makes homemade gifts especially meaningful during the holidays, when the focus is on connection and creating memories. Whether it’s a jar of homemade pancake mix, a knitted scarf, or a batch of cookies, these personalized gifts convey love in a way that’s unique and heartfelt, making them the perfect way to make the season even more special for friends and family.

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Homemade gifts are especially meaningful during the holidays because they show thoughtfulness and care in a way that store-bought items simply can’t replicate. When you take the time to create something with your own hands, it’s not just about the gift itself, but the love and effort behind it. This is particularly important for kids. It teaches them the value of giving and the joy that comes from making something for others. By involving children in crafting their own gifts, you’re helping them develop a deeper sense of empathy, creativity, and pride.

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Children get to experience the joy of giving from the heart. Thus understanding that the thought and effort behind the gift matter more than the price tag. Homemade gifts allow children to participate in the spirit of the season. They building lasting memories and traditions that they’ll carry with them for years to come. It’s these kinds of thoughtful, hands-on moments that truly make the holidays special and meaningful.

What you’ll need to create this perfect DIY Gift

This Mason Jar Pancake Mix is perfect for several reasons. First, it involves only a few ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and dry milk). Second, it can be made in large batches to give as several gifts. These can be bundled up in large Mason jars and given as Teacher gifts, office gifts, and so much more.

How to make Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Yield: 5 cups of mix

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Mason Jar Pancake Mix
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of flour
  • 3/4 cup of nonfat dry milk
  • 1/3 cup of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

  1. Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
  2. Store in your favorite storage jar or gift it out in smaller jars!

Notes

To prepare mix for pancakes:

  1. Mix 1 cup of mix with 3/4 cup of water to create batter.
  2. 1/4-1/2 cup of batter per pancake for desired size.

© Rachel

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Filed Under: crafty, easy recipes, gift, gift ideas, holiday gift guide, recipes Tagged With: crafty, easy recipes, gifts, holiday gift guide, recipes

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

November 20, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Tornado potatoes are a fun, flavorful, and visually striking snack that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something crispy and delicious. With their spiral shape and golden, crunchy texture, they’re like a cross between French fries and potato chips—perfect for serving at parties, as an appetizer, or even as a side dish. Best of all, making these tasty tornado potatoes at home is simpler than you might think! In this post, we’ll guide you through a quick and easy recipe that will have you twisting up your own batch in no time. Get ready to elevate your potato game with this irresistible treat! These air fryer Tornado Potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

Easy Tornado Potatoes Recipe

Why you should consider getting an air fryer

Using an air fryer to make recipes at home is a game-changer for busy families. It cooks food faster than traditional methods. Thus, saving you time in the kitchen. While also using less oil, making meals healthier without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer’s versatility means you can easily prepare everything from crispy snacks to juicy chicken and even baked goods, all with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking. It offers a safer and more efficient way to enjoy homemade meals together.

Easy Tornado Potatoes Recipe

We have two air fryers. My personal favorite is this dual-cook air fryer from Ninja. The Ninja Foodi allows two different temperature settings and cook settings, so you can make two different items at the same time.

What you’ll need to make this tasty dish

Making Tornado Potatoes in the air fryer is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients! All you’ll need are russet or golden potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, along with a couple of kabob skewers to create that signature spiral shape. Parsley is entirely optional, but really helps bring out the final flavors. The air fryer does all the work, delivering crispy, golden potatoes in no time without the mess of deep frying. It’s a fun, hassle-free way to enjoy this delicious snack or side dish right at home!

Easy Tornado Potatoes Recipe

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes Recipe

Yield: 6

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Easy Tornado Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 minute
Total Time 31 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4-5 medium sized russet or golden potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • Kabob skewers
  • parsley, optional as garnish

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

  1. Place potatoes in the microwave for 1-1.5 minutes. This softens the potatoes for skewering.
  2. Stick skewers through the center of the potato’s long ways. Place potatoes in the center of the skewer.
  3. With a knife, make an angled cut in a corkscrew rotation from one edge to the other cutting clear to the skewer.
  4. To separate, loosen the ringlets and pull outwards. Keep in mind the size of your air fryer basket. You might need to cut away excess skewer.
  5. Brush potatoes with oil inside and out and season with spices.
  6. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° for 15-18 minutes. (This step may need repeated based on the size of your air fryer baskets).
  7. Remove and let cool.
  8. Repeat as needed until all potatoes are cooked to perfection.
  9. ENJOY!


© Rachel

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Filed Under: air fryer recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: air fryer, easy recipes, recipes

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

November 19, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Garlic herb butter is the ultimate kitchen secret for adding rich, savory flavor to just about any dish. Whether you’re spreading it on freshly baked bread, topping a juicy steak, or tossing it with pasta, this easy garlic herb butter recipe is a game changer. With just a few simple ingredients—like fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and creamy butter—you can elevate your meals in minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a delicious gift for foodie friends. This homemade garlic herb butter is versatile, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleasing treat in no time!

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

An Easy Garlic Herb Butter recipe is perfect for the holiday season because it adds a touch of elegance and flavor to all your festive meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re roasting vegetables, spreading it on warm dinner rolls, or using it to enhance a holiday roast, this fragrant butter elevates simple dishes to something truly special. The combination of garlic and fresh herbs is both comforting and savory, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option that can be prepped in advance, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of holiday cooking. This homemade garlic herb butter also makes a wonderful gift when packaged in a cute jar, offering friends and family a little taste of the season’s warmth and flavor.

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

What you’ll need for this recipe

To make this flavorful garlic herb butter, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Start with 4 cups of heavy whipping cream to create the base for your butter. Next, add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh, earthy flavor. 2 tablespoons of minced garlic will give the butter its rich, savory kick, while 4 stems of thyme infuse the butter with a fragrant herbal note. These simple ingredients come together to create a buttery spread that’s perfect for enhancing your meals, from fresh bread to roasted vegetables and beyond.

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

It’s such an easy recipe that is just perfect for Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Yield: 2 cups

Garlic Herb Butter

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons of parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 4 stems of thyme

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

  1. Place the heavy cream in a stand mixer and whisk on medium speed for 3 minutes. The cream will start to whip and thicken. 
  2. Once thickened, increase the speed to high and whisk for 5 minutes out until butter form in the whisk and separates from the buttermilk. You’ll want to cover the bowl to avoid splashing.
  3. Once butter is formed strain away from buttermilk using cheese cloth. Form the butter into a ball and drain the butter milk. Discard or use the butter milk. 

  4. Add butter, parsley, garlic and removing the thyme from the steams and mix together for 2 minutes. 

  5. Use soft butter or form into a log and refrigerate to harden to form.  
  6. ENJOY!
© Rachel

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Filed Under: easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: easy recipes, recipes

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

November 18, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Rich, creamy, and comforting, Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s perfect for cozy dinner. Traditionally, it can take time to prepare. Enter the Instant Pot! With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of this beloved dish in a fraction of the time. Ground beef is simmered in a savory, creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions. Thus, creating a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff will become your new go-to for a satisfying, no-fuss meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

But why use an Instant Pot?

Using the Instant Pot to make meals is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It combines multiple cooking functions—pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooking, and more—into one appliance, saving both time and effort. The pressure cooking feature significantly speeds up cooking times, making it possible to prepare meals like stews, soups, and even roasts in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the Instant Pot locks in flavors, tenderizes meat quickly, and allows for hands-off cooking, so you can set it and forget it while it does the work. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping a comforting meal for family and friends, the Instant Pot makes it easy to enjoy homemade, flavorful dishes with minimal cleanup.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

What you’ll need to make this satisfying meal

To make a delicious and comforting Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. They come together to create a rich, creamy dish. From tender beef and savory onions, to hearty egg noodles and a smooth sour cream sauce. This recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to get started on this flavorful, one-pot meal.

  • ground beef (the leaner the better, but 85/15 works just fine)
  • salt and black pepper
  • vegetable oil
  • amedium sized onion
  • garlic
  • tomato paste
  • beef broth
  • butter
  • mushrooms (portabella are preferred, but whatever mushroom you have on hand will work)
  • cornstarch
  • cold water
  • sour cream
  • egg noodles
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

How to make Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Yield: 4

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1-pound of ground beef, 85/15
  • salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, divided, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 medium sized onion, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon of garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
  • 1 Tablespoon of butter
  • 5 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 3 Tablespoons of cold water
  • 1/4 cup of sour cream
  • 8 ounces of egg noodles, raw

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Set your instant pot to sauté mode. Once your pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Brown your ground beef. Once browned, strain the grease and set aside.
  2. Add in one more tablespoon of oil and your butter. Once your butter is completely melted add in your mushrooms. Sauté them for about five minutes until they have softened and caramelized. Then set aside.
  3. If needed, add a tablespoon of oil. Add in your onions and sauté for about three minutes until they soften and caramelized. Add in your garlic and stir for another minute to release the flavors.
  4. Add in your beef broth and ground beef.
  5. Add your sour cream and cooked mushrooms. Mix well.
  6. Add your egg noodles to your pot. Mix well so that each noodle is covered in the gravy mixture.
  7. Press cancel on your instant pot. With your noodles still raw, lock your lid in place and allow your noodles to cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Open your lid, and make sure your noodles are cooked to your liking. 
  8. Once your noodles are cooked give it one more store and transfer to a bowl. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!
© Rachel

Now that you’ve made a delicious and flavorful dish, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend meal. Whenever you make this meal, enjoy the perfectly cooked combinations of beef, mushrooms, and a savory sauce. Thankfully leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just getting started, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your Instant Pot and get ready to indulge in a comforting, homemade meal that’s both quick and delicious!

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Filed Under: easy recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, recipes Tagged With: easy recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, recipes

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookie

November 16, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of Crumbl’s famous chocolate chunk cookies, then this recipe is about to become your new go-to! Soft, chewy, and packed with generous chunks of rich milk chocolate, these homemade cookies capture the same irresistible flavor and texture you love from the Crumbl bakery. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe delivers the ultimate indulgence—right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a fresh batch of warm, gooey cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

What you’ll need for this recipe

To recreate the delicious, bakery-style chocolate chunk cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. They come together to create the perfect soft and chewy texture. First, start with unsalted butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base. Then and add both brown sugar and granulated sugar for a sweet balance and slight caramel flavor. The secret to those thick, soft cookies is the combination of eggs and vanilla extract, which bring moisture and depth of flavor. Then, of course, no chocolate chunk cookie would be complete without a generous amount of high-quality milk chocolate chunks, ensuring every bite is filled with creamy chocolate goodness. A touch of flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt round out the mix to make these cookies perfectly balanced. Gather these ingredients and prepare for a cookie experience that rivals your favorite Crumbl treat!

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Here are the ingredients to make Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

  • flour
  • cornstarch
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • unsalted butter
  • light brown sugar
  • granulated sugar
  • egg
  • egg yolk
  • vanilla extract
  • chocolate chunks (these are my go-to)
  • flaky sea salt
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Making homemade cookies, like these Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies, is more than just a fun baking project—it’s a heartwarming way for families to bond and create lasting memories together. The process of mixing ingredients, shaping dough, and waiting for the warm cookies to bake in the oven offers a chance to slow down and enjoy quality time with loved ones. There’s something special about the aroma of fresh-baked cookies filling the house, bringing everyone together around the kitchen counter. Plus, when you bake at home, you can customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes. Therefore making it a perfect opportunity to pass down traditions, share stories, and enjoy a sweet treat made with love. These Copycat Crumbl cookies bring the joy of a beloved bakery right into your home, offering a little slice of happiness with every bite.

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookie Recipe

Yield: 6 cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup of light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chunks
  • flaky sea salt, optional for topping

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, mix the sugars and butter until fluffy.
  3. After scraping the side of the mixing bowl, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, then continue whisking for two minutes.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients until fully mixed and smooth.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chunks.

  6. Let the cookie dough sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  7. Spoon out about a cup of cookie dough and form into a ball 2-3” in diameter.
  8. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the dough balls 2” apart. You can bake them as dough balls or form the dough into a flatter cookie shape. 
  9. Bake at 350º F for 15 minutes.
  10. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to a baking rack.
  11. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over cookies, if desired.
  12. ENJOY!
    Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies
© Rachel

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Filed Under: Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: Copycat Recipes, easy recipes

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